Unpaid carers are urged to find out more about the support available.
Carers Rights Day 2024 took place on 21 November and this year the theme was ‘recognising your rights’. This focus was designed to help people access support and vital information, and to ensure that carers do not suffer in silence.
Carers often undervalue what they do and can sometimes miss out on support which could help them to look after their own health and wellbeing, or get help with looking after a partner, family member or friend.
Cllr Wendy Bowkett, executive member for adult care and public health, said: “It’s vital that carers understand their rights, including the support available to them. This can help them better balance their caring role with other aspects of their life.
It can also give them the confidence to ask for help when they need it and challenge things when their rights aren’t being met. If you’re over 18, provide regular unpaid care and feel you need support, you can request a carer’s assessment. So, please don’t struggle in silence – we’re here to help.”
To learn more about the support available to carers, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers
Alternatively, call the Lincolnshire Carers Service on 01522 782224.
Stuart’s story
Stu has been a carer for his wife, Ann, for more than 30 years. Ann has progressive multiple sclerosis and nystagmus (a visual impairment) and is also being assessed for early onset dementia.
As Ann’s condition has progressed, Stu’s caring role has intensified. His role is 24/7 and includes feeding, toileting and emotional and practical support. He also takes care of all the household chores.
Stu found himself increasingly exhausted and began to have feelings of isolation and depression. He said: “I felt like life had no purpose and sometimes felt resentful about my caring role. This left me feeling guilty as I didn’t want anyone to think I blame Ann.”
Stu was referred to the Lincolnshire Carers Service and was subsequently introduced to the Men Care 2 group, which brings men together to build friendships and encourage peer support, with events including the monthly Banter Breakfast. As a result, he was able to access support that allowed him to have a break from his caring role.
He is now managing far better in his caring role. He never imagined this would be possible before he accessed the support from Lincolnshire Carers Service. “It’s wonderful to have something to look forward to, just for myself. It helps me recharge before going back to my caring role,” he said.
Taking care of carers
A new series of workshops is helping to provide a creative escape for local unpaid carers.
Carers often have to put a lot of themselves into their responsibilities, and in many cases, give up on their own life goals or ambitions to care for a family member or loved one.
Although many do so without complaint, their selfless commitment is being recognised and a new series of workshops aims to provide the support and freedom to help them.
Run in conjunction with Lincolnshire-based charity, Every-One, the workshops help carers to develop new skills and provide an opportunity to connect with art and nature. They are able to get involved in activities not usually possible due to their caring responsibilities.
Initial meetings were held earlier this year with unpaid carers to allow the workshops to be built around what they wanted, and to better understand what support they need.
The monthly sessions are running until May next year. At the end of the series, there will be an exhibition of carers’ work at Doddington Hall. Researchers from the University of Lincoln will also help evaluate the scheme, to see how it could be embedded into the care system.
The sessions are run with grower and floral artist, Rachel Petheram, who also manages the therapy garden at Doddington Hall. She said: “My mum is a carer so I know first-hand the pressures that they face. These sessions will use art, nature and creativity to give carers some respite.
“When you’re a carer you can become so absorbed in other people that you can find it hard to focus on yourself and your own needs.”
Elaine, from Whisby, cares for her husband after a life-changing accident. She was looking forward to the companionship the sessions could bring. She said, “It’s nice to be with people in a similar situation, as you can feel quite isolated.
“I feel like I’m rubbish at art, but I do love nature and I hope this will be quite supportive. My husband always tries to get me to try new things and this sounds lovely. I’ve already met new people and learnt new things!”
This project was funded by Lincolnshire County Council’s Public Health team using funding from the government’s Accelerating Reform Fund.
For more information about the other support available locally for unpaid carers, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers.